이심‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 산 정상

sanctuary about ten km above Biella, reachable by road bike along the only road from Biella, from Andrate, a town above Ivrea with the road called "Tracciolino" from Favaro, just above Biella by mountain bike along the route of the old train

The path to the Sanctuary of Oropa is a journey through nature, history, and spirituality: trails pass through ancient forests, hills, and charming villages, all the way up to the majestic Biella mountains. The itineraries, at times challenging, test your pace and endurance, but reward you with breathtaking views and the unique thrill of reaching one of Piedmont's most fascinating sacred sites.

Hill separating the Cervo Valley from the Lys Valley. At the end of June 2025, high presence of mosquitoes.

The sanctuary of Oropa is a Marian sanctuary - dedicated to the Black Madonna - located a dozen kilometers north of the city of Biella, in the Oropa hamlet, at about 1,280 meters above sea level, in a natural amphitheater of mountains that surround the city below and are part of the Biella Alps. The sanctuary includes, in addition to a Sacred Mount (the Sacred Mount of Oropa), the original church built on the basis of an ancient shrine and the current sanctuary itself, equipped with various structures intended to accommodate the faithful and tourists. And it is also the Arrival of the Stage of the Giro d'Italia. The most famous one was in 1999 with the comeback of Marco Pantani who went on to win the Stage (Arrival dedicated to Him).

As an excursion I have continued several times to Cima Mucrone, passing by "Limbo", while when there is snow and it is good, ski-skins and climb up to here or to the ridge a little higher. From here I have also started several times with the paraglider. Panoramic and beautiful point that lends itself to many experiences, not forgetting a thought to the blessed Frassati

Oropa, definitely worth a visit. Not only is it fascinating in terms of history, but also because of the surrounding restaurants. And last but not least, the Black Madonna.

Magical place of Alpine spirituality

The German-language television series “Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity” - which I can recommend without reservation - dedicates a quarter-hour feature to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the “SACRI MONTI” in northern Italy (there are a total of nine of these “Holy Mountains” in Piedmont). This can be viewed in the ARD media library at the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/heilige-berge-in-piemont-italien-folge-396/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS84ODgxMzc2